EXPERT Speakers

 

DANIEL JOHNSON

Daniel is a growth marketer with experience in the apps, SaaS, e-commerce, and crypto/Web3 industries.

He has spoken on growth marketing at events for Google Launchpad, Cambridge University, Growth Mentor, Imperial College London, UK Space Agency.

Daniel has extensive experience helping startups develop systems, infrastructure, and processes to drive scaleable, repeatable, and predictable growth. He is also skilled in coaching, mentoring, training, and getting suitable systems in place to help companies grow.

Daniel has spent over £6.8m on PPC and paid acquisition with major platforms like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Taboola. He has also generated millions of website hits and revenue for e-commerce stores, and have helped create millions of app downloads.

Daniel is experienced in speaking about a number of topics including the growing market, how to grow your startup and turning ideas into reality amongst many more.

 

Elliot LEVY 

Elliot Leavy, visionary founder of ACQUAINTED, is a distinguished tech luminary and AI expert with over a decade of experience, recognised for empowering brands in Generative AI, contributing to AI publications, mentoring at UCL, lecturing at the London Film School, and playing pivotal roles in Mesh-AI and techno-radical journal BOZO. This makes him a sought-after speaker and influential figure in the transformative landscape of technology.

 

PETE DURANT 

For over 20 years, Pete Durant has been a trailblazer in the digital and social revolution, crafting and sharing compelling brand stories.

A seasoned Marketing Director, Brand Leader, and Creative Director, Pete has worked with top agency groups like Omnicom, WPP, and IPG Mediabrands, as well as high-profile brands such as Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, Waitrose, Renault Dacia, Comic Relief, and Specsavers.

An award-winning marketer and digital content leader, Pete specialises in connecting brands with audiences to drive growth in a crowded, multi-platform world. He believes that creating emotional connections through strong brand foundations is key, using his unique storytelling approach to achieve standout success.

Having spoken across the globe—from the USA and Mexico to the UK and Europe—Pete energises audiences with his engaging style, fresh ideas, and practical strategies. From avoiding greenwashing and communicating sustainability, to harnessing the power of social brands and humancentred CX, Pete’s insights deliver real impact.

He’s also a committed values and CSR consultant, helping businesses define their purpose and deliver on their promises. Passionate about sustainability, animal advocacy, and positive mental health, Pete is driven to create a better world for all.

Estelle keeber, immortal monkey

Estelle Keeber, a leading UK Instagram expert, Author and Speaker and the brains behind Immortal Monkey, has revolutionised social media for countless entrepreneurs. From founding the world’s fastest-growing women’s network without any initial investment to inspiring hundreds of thousands worldwide with her infectious passion and savvy strategies, Estelle is a force to be reckoned with.

Her interactive training sessions strike the perfect balance between simplicity and effectiveness, catering to Instagram newbies and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re just dipping your toes or diving deep, Estelle ensures you walk away with the skills and confidence to skyrocket your business on Instagram.

Not content with just dominating social media, Estelle’s influence extends to the literary world. With over 200 Amazon #1 best-selling authors under her belt and her latest release, “The Insta Queen’s Guide to Content that Converts,” hitting the shelves, she continues to inspire and empower entrepreneurs at every turn.

Holly Dennett

Over the last three years Holly Dennett has grown to be one of the largest online sewing social media accounts, with a current following of over 126,000 followers. She specialises in creating online sewing content and tutorials that inspire and educate the home sewing community on social media. She also has a popular sewing blog and website.

Holly is trained in design, pattern cutting, sewing, and graduated in 2020 from the University for the Creative Arts with a high 2:1 in Fashion.

Over the last three years she has worked with many sewing brands including Singer, Dyno, The Cotton Craft Co with Simplicity, Fabrics Galore, Sew Over It, Happy Fabrics, Prym, Black and White publishing and is a sewing expert on the ‘Dear Sew’ page in Sew magazine.

Holly is currently working on releasing her own line of sewing patterns for the home sewing community. The first collection, a selection of garments that she has made and shared with her audience over the last two years online was launched in Spring 2023. The sewing patterns are PDF downloads available from her website.

Ian Downes

Ian Downes owns and runs Start Licensing a well established Licensing Agency and Consultancy. The company celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2023. Ian has extensive experience across the licensing, industry and is co-owner of Brands Untapped, writing on the site about licensing, branding and design. He also contributes regularly to Licensing Source, Progressive Gifts and The Bugg Report.

Ian is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has acted as a consultant for a range of companies and organisations from sectors such as charities, heritage, FMCG and publishing. Current clients include Aardman Animations, The Ashmolean Museum, Edith Holden, A Country Diary and Nadiya Hussain. Ian was awardee a Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Licensing Awards in 2016.

Prior to establishing Start Licensing Ian was Group Managing Director of Fox Kids Europe’s Consumer product division and also worked in the publishing industry.